Grade II listing for organ in Willesden Green church

An historic 19th century organ in a Willesden Green church has been recognised with a prestigious Grade II listing.

The organ at St Mary Magdalen’s Roman Catholic Church on Peter Avenue has been in use having never under gone modification or refit for 75 years.

The Historic Organ Certificate was presented by Paul Joslin of the British Institute of Organ Studies (BIOS) at a special ceremony following Midday Mass.

Consisting of two manuals and pedals, the organ was built in 1872 by London-based firm Bishop and Starr. It was installed in St Mary Magdalen’s in 1939 and has been in continual use in divine worship ever since.

Organist John Gallagher said: “The fact that the organ still performs so beautifully today is a testament to the great Victorian craftsmen who built it, and this is recognised by the award along with its value to the nation’s sacred musical heritage.”

The Historic Organ Certificate recognises the importance of the instrument to the national heritage and secures its preservation for future generations in a time when more and more organs are being phased out of churches.

The scheme was established by the BIOS to raise the profile of the instrument.